No fatalities

20 Feb 2017: STINSON 108 2 — Valparaiso, IN

Valparaiso, IN, United States

On 20 Feb 2017, a STINSON 108 2 was involved in an aviation accident near Valparaiso, IN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing with a crosswind. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A tailwheel airplane nosed over after veering off runway 18 into soft grass. The pilot reported a gust caused weathervaning; no mechanical issues preceded the accident.

Accident Details

A pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported a loss of directional control during landing. As the tail descended, a gust of wind caused the airplane to weathervane to the left. Despite aggressive control inputs, the pilot was unable to correct the heading. The airplane then departed the runway surface and entered adjacent grass, where the main landing gear began sinking into soft ground. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift struts and empennage.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

Weather Information

A review of data from the airport's automated weather observation station, recorded approximately 16 minutes after the accident, indicated wind from 170° at 9 knots. The airplane had been landing on runway 18.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on equipment